The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has endorsed the Ekiti State Anti-Grazing Law, saying the piece of legislation encourages peaceful co-existence.Also, the national president of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Muhammadu Kiruwa, commended Governor Ayodele Fayose for the enactment, noting that the law caters for all interest groups.

During a stakeholders’ meeting yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the speakers observed that the legislation addressed the interests of the herders, farmers, host communities among others.Besides, the governor promised amnesty to any herder that disarms in the state.

The emir, who is MACBAN patron, was represented at the event by former state governor and Sarduana of Kano, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau.Sanusi decried a situation where some criminal elements hide under grazing to perpetrate crimes.Shekarau said: “ Let me express the emir’s regret over the sad killings of innocent people at a time when the unity of the country is much desired. He mandated me to come over here with the leadership of MACBAN and find out how we can work amicably. He feels that as a patron of the group, he must ensure peace and lauds Governor Fayose for promoting peace.

“The law Governor Fayose enacted is the best to defend the rights of farmers and cattle breeders. Whoever crosses the red line should be dealt with as the law provides. That breeders should obey the rules of the communities they reside.” Kiruwa, on his part, described the meeting as an eye opener and one capable of ending the perennial clashes between farmers and herders.

“I am really impressed with the governor for organising this meeting. Some state governors would just sit in their offices and not being proactive like Governor Fayose. Some misconceptions that I personally had against the governor have been cleared now,” he added.

In his remarks, Fayose said the essence of the meeting was to find a peaceful means of resolving issues.He said: “ Our interest is peace. As we are interested in the welfare of everybody, we must not allow criminal elements to go scot-free. Our relationship goes beyond cows. We must respect one another and cooperate to achieve result. We want Ekiti to be a shining example and anybody that needs to be charged to court or fined will be so disciplined.”

He stated that herders in government’s forest reserves must register with local government authorities else would be treated as those fomenting trouble in the state.The governor also accepted the invitation by the MACBAN leader to be part of the team to mediate in the crises in Benue and Taraba states.